FAQs

What is Ozone?

Ozone (o3) is a active form of oxygen (o2) that is characterised by three atoms rather than two. It is slightly heavier than air and at low concentrations smells sweet. However, ozone is an unstable molecule that quickly reverts back to it’s natural stable form of oxygen. Typically ozone is created when a high voltage is introduced to air ionising the oxygen creating ozone.

When was Ozone discovered?

Ozone was discovered by a German scientist called Schonbein in the 1840’s – when Schonbein was conducting his experiment he detected a distinctive odour that reminded him of the same aroma that occurs after a lightening storm. Schonbein called this substance “ozone”.

How is Ozone made?

Ozone is a naturally created substance and is typically created in the natural world in two ways:
1. Lightening – lightening passes through the air creating ozone from oxygen.
2. UV Light – When oxygen is in the presence of 185 Nano Meters (very, very small!) UV light this creates Ozone.
In both cases the natural world is breaking up oxygen molecules to form ozone.

How is ozone created by man?

We use the same methods as the natural environment but on a smaller scale.
Following the process carried out in lightening we recreate the “Corona Discharge” found in nature. That means we are taking oxygen from the air and forcing it between high voltage plates. This breaks down the oxygen and when it recombines into ozone.
Using UV we take oxygen from air and place in in contact with 185 nano meters of UV using a UV light bulb.

What are the key advantages of using ozone as an oxidising agent?

Ozone is the most powerful oxidant for disinfection water and sanitising surfaces Ozone can kill pathogens (such as the nova virus) in a matter of seconds vs. the amount of minutes for other oxidants Ozone is one of the strongest oxidising agents when it comes to disinfection and destruction of undesirable material e.g. Pathogens, pesticides, taste and colour Ozone does not leave harmful residue as when ozone decomposes – it reverts back to oxygen. Ozone – when used in isolation does not affect PH levels Ozone enhances the flocculation and coagulation of organic materials thereby improving filtration Ozone is very effective in partially oxidising undesirable materials in water into biodegradable components that can be removed by biological filtration.